In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has affirmed Governor Dauda Lawal-Dare of the PDP as the duly elected and returned Governor of Zamfara State, thereby overturning the Appeal Court’s directive for a re-run election in specific wards across three local government areas. The judgment, a culmination of legal challenges stemming from the 18th March Governorship poll, solidifies the legitimacy of Governor Lawal-Dare’s victory.
Initially, the tribunal had unanimously upheld INEC’s declaration and return of Lawal-Dare in response to the petition filed by the APC’s Bello Matawalle. However, a twist emerged when Justice Sybil Nwaka-Gbagi JCA, reading the lead judgment at the Appeal Court, ordered a re-run election in several wards within three LGAs.
Dissatisfied with this outcome, Governor Lawal-Dare sought redress at the Apex Court, presenting arguments for the reversal of the Appeal Court’s decision. Justice Agim JSC, in delivering the lead judgment, critically assessed the evidential foundation of the Appeal Court’s ruling.
“The decision of the Court of Appeal has no evidential foundation,” Justice Agim declared. The judgment delivered in November by the Appeal Court was set aside, including the order that nullified the appellant’s election. Consequently, the Supreme Court upheld Governor Lawal-Dare’s election, providing a definitive resolution to the legal dispute.
